Monta Ellis: Trade scenarios involving the Golden State Warriors guard - NBA Feature (Part-3)
Dallas Mavericks:
The Dallas Mavericks were a force to reckon with in the last season. One by one, they took all the championship contenders down and then in the NBA Finals against Miami Heat, they defied all odds, to knock over the Big Three trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. In doing so, they won their first ever NBA title in the 31 years of franchise history.
However, what’s done is done and now, the Mavs have to look forward.
The biggest concern that the Mavericks are facing at the moment is that six players from their championship winning teams are free agents this summer. These players include Tyson Chandler, the 7 ft 1 in big who held the defensive keys of the Mavs, Jose Juan Barea, who the Mavs used as an impact player time and again in the playoffs, Caron Butler, one of the best small forwards in the league and the gritty DeShawn Stevenson. Although Brian Cardinal and Brendon Haywood are also in the list, but it is former four, who formed the foundation of Mavericks success last season.
This season’s free agency has been halted by the lockout so far. But, the lockout will end and the free agency will eventually take place. When that happens, the Mavs could be looking at a mass exodus. After all, how can they fulfil the financial demands of six ‘now expensive’ players?
The Mavericks certainly don’t want that and they have publically declared their intention to go all out in a bid to retain their championship winning side. However with a harder salary cap expected in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the chances of that happening are very bleak.
The Monta Ellis situation thus, does provide them with an option.
The Mavs need somebody better than DeShawn Stevenson as the shooting guard position, one who is athletic and is a reliable scoring option, while the Golden State Warriors need some steel in their back court.
If the defending champions want to get Ellis in the roster, they can probably send Tyson Chandler in a sign and trade deal with some cash or a first round pick to the Warriors.
This will not only help the Mavs in retaining the rest of their free agents – Tyson will be expensive to retain - but will also add a guy, who is young, has the ability to score in quick successions and is known for his athleticism in their otherwise aged roster.
The Mavericks are very good defensive side whereas the game Monta Ellis has been a juggernaut on the offense for the last six years. Whatever kinks, he has in his defensive game can be removed under the watchful eye of Rick Carlisle. Also considering the fact that the Mavs mostly prefer zonal defense as compared to one on one, Ellis will have a better chance of adjusting in the system.
This combination will certainly work for the Mavericks and Ellis in the near future.
Monta Ellis, along with Dirk Nowitzki can take even the best defences of the league apart. This will also enhance the Mavericks chances of a title defense this season.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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